Raiders sign Donivin Dariuas [Archive]

R4Life

07-10-2007, 12:53 PM

Raiders Sign Donovin Darius
July 10, 2007

The Oakland Raiders have signed veteran safety Donovin Darius. Darius has started in all 115 league games in which he has played.

“We are extremely excited about adding Donovin to the Raiders,” said Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin. “He will bring us immediate competition in our secondary. Donovin exemplifies hard work and dedication to the game. Working with Donovin at Jacksonville, I was able to see what a phenomenal competitor he is. He will fit great into our team philosophy.”

“I am excited to be part of the Raider organization,” said Donovin Darius. “This is an organization that I feel is heading in the right direction with the new coaching staff and the players. I am very optimistic about the change that is taking place within the team. I look forward to being a part of the Silver and Black. I think it’s a great opportunity and a great fit.”

The 6-1, 205-pound defensive back recorded 614 total tackles, two sacks and 14 interceptions in nine seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Darius originally entered the NFL as the 25th overall selection by the Jaguars in the 1998 NFL Draft. The former Syracuse star posted career highs in 2004 with 87 tackles and five interceptions. He also notched an 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown in his rookie season against Baltimore in 1998.

Darius, who is originally from Camden, New Jersey, led Jacksonville’s secondary in tackles in each of his first seven NFL seasons. He was the highest drafted defensive back in Jaguars history, and he was voted second alternate to the Pro Bowl in 2001 and first alternate in 2002.

http://www.raiders.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=25664

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 01:10 PM

::ducks as the Schweig fans bombard the board with bottles of Stu's curl activator::

All we need now is for a decent fat assed DT to come aboard...

Byron2112

07-10-2007, 01:16 PM

Awsome!

I just saw Clayton announcing this.

Crow

07-10-2007, 01:17 PM

Sapp's best buddy over in Carolina may still be available.

R4Life

07-10-2007, 01:18 PM

Per PFT

RAIDERS SIGN DARIUS

The Oakland Raiders have announced the acquisition of free-agent safety Donovin Darius. A first round pick of the Jaguars in the 1998 draft, Darius was cut on June 14 by the team with which he spent nine seasons.

"We are extremely excited about adding Donovin to the Raiders," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. "He will bring us immediate competition in our secondary. Donovin exemplifies hard work and dedication to the game. Working with Donovin at Jacksonville, I was able to see what a phenomenal competitor he is. He will fit great into our team philosophy."

Darius visited the Raiders last month. He likely will play strong safety, allowing the team to move current strong safety Michael Huff to free safety, and current free safety Stuart Schweigert to the bench.

Brutal

Crow

07-10-2007, 01:18 PM

I like the pick up. Much needed depth and a guy who can teach our younger safeties how to tackle without whiffing. I can dig it.

Jack's sore libido

07-10-2007, 01:19 PM

I'm cool with this.

I wonder if Schweig becomes the nickel back.

R4Life

07-10-2007, 01:21 PM

Rotoworld sends Stu to the bench as well...

Raiders signed S Donovin Darius.
Darius will immediately provide competition for Michael Huff and Stuart Schweigert. Huff and Darius are a closer match in skill set as run stuffers, but Schweigert seems more likely to lose his job. Oakland has done a nice job rebuilding their secondary.

07-10-2007, 01:24 PM

I like the pick up. Much needed depth and a guy who can teach our younger safeties how to tackle without whiffing. I can dig it.

That would be nice for a change huh?

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 01:27 PM

RNorris

07-10-2007, 01:28 PM

I like it ...

Angry Pope

07-10-2007, 01:30 PM

It makes them a little more intense too. Welcome aboard.

R4Life

07-10-2007, 01:31 PM

It's going to be interesting to see just how bad we can jack up the spelling of DD's name... R4 is off to a flying start with Donivin Dariuas... Just wait till the school marm sees that...

My hands were shaking so badly because I was just so excited to get news up before AP. Nailed the hard one (Donivin) and wiffed on the gimme. I'll turn in my English degree at the door...

R4Life

07-10-2007, 01:34 PM

A few more details...

Former Jags safety Darius signs with Raiders
Nine-year veteran strong safety Donovin Darius, released by the Jags last month, on Tuesday signed with the Raiders, the first team with whom he visited as a free agent and a club that pursued him ardently.

Contract details were not immediately available. "He will bring us immediate competition in the secondary," first-year coach Lane Kiffin said in a statement released by the team. "Donovin exemplifies hard work and dedication to the game. ... He will be a great fit in our team's philosophy." The leading tackler in Jaguars history, Darius is recovering from a broken right ankle that limited him to 10 games in 2006 but should be ready for the start of training camp. He also visited with the Buffalo Bills and several other teams indicated interest as well, but Darius was intrigued by the Raiders from the start. Oakland has two young starting safeties in Michael Huff and Stuart Schweigert, second- and fourth-year veterans, respectively. The Raiders do not delineate strong and free safeties in their system, but the skills set of Huff, the team's first-round choice in 2006, is more closely associated with those of a strong safety. That might conflict a bit with Darius, who has played strong safety his entire career, but the Raiders will compensate now that they have acquired him. One advantage the Raiders had over other suitors was that Kiffin and Darius have ties from the past. Kiffin served as a quality control coach for the Jaguars in 2000, working primarily with the secondary, in Darius' third season in the NFL. Darius studied the Oakland defense after his release by the Jaguars and was impressed by the aggressive scheme that it featured by coordinator Rob Ryan. Despite winning only two games in 2006, the Oakland defense statistically ranked No. 3 in the league. "I am very optimistic about the change that is taking place within the team," Darius said. "I look forward to being a part of the Silver and Black. I think it's a great opportunity." Darius, 31, was unable to participate in Jacksonville's offseason program this spring as he continued his recovery, and he also suffered a slight calf problem. Darius played in only two games in 2005 before his season was ended by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The fact he appeared in a total of 12 games the past two seasons and suffered fairly significant injuries didn't seem to dissuade teams in need of safety help from considering him. A first-round choice in the 1998 draft, Darius became an immediate starter with the Jaguars. The former Syracuse star appeared in 115 games, all starts, and had a franchise-record 846 tackles, along with two sacks, 14 interceptions, 35 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and six recoveries. Noted more as a run defender early in his career, when Darius' pass coverage skills were viewed as a liability and he was more effective playing close to the line of scrimmage, he became far better on pass defense in recent seasons. Only twice in nine seasons, though, did Darius have more than three interceptions in a season. He totaled 100 or more tackles in six different campaigns. Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=sports&id=5468285

Crow

07-10-2007, 01:36 PM

That would be nice for a change huh?
Damn skippy.

That said, I seriously doubt Stu goes to the bench. I just don't see that happening.

Crow

07-10-2007, 01:37 PM

It makes them a little more intense too. Welcome aboard.

Indeed. Don't just make the tackle. Make the fucking tackle, and make it stick.

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 01:41 PM

http://www.donovindarius20.com/

Jack's sore libido

07-10-2007, 01:48 PM

Nailed the hard one (Donivin)

No you didn't. His name is Donovin.

Crow

07-10-2007, 01:52 PM

Sure is a lot of churchy crap on his site. That's a little troubling.

Byron2112

07-10-2007, 02:07 PM

This is really good. This guy's going to lead our D after Sapp leaves.

I just can't wait for him light up LT and LJ... yeah ,that's right mofo's,you don't own the middle no mo!

Gates and Gonzales will recieve a warm introduction to Mr. Darius' neighborhood too I'm sure :D

CrossBones

07-10-2007, 02:08 PM

This really makes our secondary tough. Stu to the bench? Probably. No biggie. As a reserve he might be considered above average. As a starter average at best.

A big fat DT as Hboy says would be nice to complete the defense.

Byron2112

07-10-2007, 02:11 PM

Sure is a lot of churchy crap on his site. That's a little troubling.

You need some church dude.

Replace those spikes and studs with some flowers and pastels :D

Crow

07-10-2007, 02:23 PM

That's one seriously gay church you got there. I don't even think Jesus would have stepped foot in that church.

Rupert

07-10-2007, 02:45 PM

Well it definitely puts a knife in the "left-side/right-side" safety theory they've been trying to sell us. When someone tries that hard to make you ignore the man behind the curtain, the man behind the curtain is the most important thing.

Darius is a traditional SS hitter and not as good a cover guy. We'll see how sold they are on left-side/right-side safeties. It's a nice theory if you've got hitters who can cover and run. Stu is not a hitter, but who knows if his tackling would develop putting him in the box often enough?

Either way it's a very good acquisition, and as the Hawaiian points out, we're only lacking some serious grunt at DT from being a complete defense.

Angry Pope

07-10-2007, 02:56 PM

It is a three year $7 million deal.

Angry Pope

07-10-2007, 02:56 PM

How about Cory Simon? I think he is going to get released.

Jack's sore libido

07-10-2007, 03:25 PM

I think Simon is done.

Crow

07-10-2007, 03:31 PM

Was Simon's injury that serious?

Knight

07-10-2007, 03:34 PM

This is going to delay Frampton's rise into the starting lineup.

Jack's sore libido

07-10-2007, 03:42 PM

Was Simon's injury that serious?

He's had a series of injuries dating back to his days at Florida State. He was just never able to stay healthy. I imagine the accumulation of those knee injuries on his big frame has really taken a physical toll. Plus, once he got the riches, he lost his will to play the game. That's why the Colts dumped him.

donovan

07-10-2007, 03:49 PM

By Schweigert fans, you all must be talking about me. :mad:

I don't like this.

This was a young defense growing together. Throwing Darius into the mix disjoints the whole thing. He's not in his prime anymore. Let's be real about it. I also just don't think Schweigert is that bad, though.

On the plus side, I think this is the first time there's ever been a Raider named Donovan. On the downside, it's not going to help people get my (and Langlier's ;) ) name right. :(

HIS name is D-O-N-O-V-I-N.

Ours is D-O-N-O-V-A-N.

Take note of that, professors, co-workers, people on the other end of the phone, and ladies who write me love letters on MySpace. Well maybe not that last one.

Madturk

07-10-2007, 03:49 PM

Sure can't hurt to have DD's leadership back there, just wish we signed him a few years earlier. Another unspectacular, albeit solid signing in the Justin Griffith, Cooper Carlisle mold. Now lets get Sapp and Kris Jenkins to kiss and make up:p

Stanny

07-10-2007, 03:53 PM

I would pass on going after a DT this year unless if something falls in our lap within an unexpected cut, but still wouldn't break the bank. Although we do need one for sure....But it seems as though the Raiders are being a lot more methodical in their pickings this year and not just shelling out dough. It would be sweet to get through this year, see how Antaj pans out, Kelly and Terds....get usage out of Sapp for another year or so and next year go after like Pat Williams, Chauncey Davis, Randy Starks etc and draft maybe a Glen Dorsey LSU, Frank Okam Tex or Sedric Ellis USC.

Angry Pope

07-10-2007, 03:54 PM

This is what Darius does to stay in shape...from 2005...

Donovin Darius' Workout

Jags safety's extreme routine helps 'build confidence'

DONOVIN DARIUS

TEAM: Jacksonville Jaguars
POSITION: Strong safety
HEIGHT: 6'1" WEIGHT: 225

No one outtrains Donovin Darius. The Jacksonville Jaguars' strong safety is his own fitness guru and taskmaster, having created the punishing workout regimen that helps him thrive as a bone-rattling hitter. (His 790 career tackles is a team record.) A workout obsessive since his days at Syracuse, where he got a bachelor's degree in exercise science, Darius, 29, experiments with new exercises (training with an ultimate-fighting champ led him to add martial arts-style punches and kicks to his routine, for example) and jazzes up old ones. Here's a guy who, when he hits a heavy bag to improve stamina, enlists a workout partner to bombard his midsection with a 20-pound medicine ball as he strikes the bag -- thus simulating being blindsided on the field. "I've known guys who've trained with Double-D," says Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele with a laugh. "Most come back saying the same thing: 'I ain't ever doing that again.'" Darius, who says his training "helps build the confidence I need on the field," worked out five days a week 9 a.m. to 12:30. p.m. for much of the off-season (weekends he rested).

Monday

Weightlifting

Bench press: Eight sets of five repetitions, starting at 245 pounds and peaking at 265. Dumbbell incline press: Four sets of 10, starting at 80 pounds, then 90, 100, 110. Decline bench on hammer machine: Four sets of 10 to 12, between 300 and 315 pounds. Nautilus flies: Four sets of 12, at 140 or 150 pounds.

"I wait 45 seconds between each set," says Darius. "I want to see how fast my muscles recover. That's why I always wear my watch when I'm training. It keeps me on point."

Plyometric jumps

Single-leg bound: Push off with left leg and drive right knee up and out, raising right leg as high as possible. Land on left leg. Continue for 25 yards. Change legs and repeat exercise. Do three sets for each leg.

Alternate leg bound: Start with slow jog. Push off with left foot and drive right knee up and out, raising knee as high as possible and reaching forward with left arm. Bring right foot down and drive left knee up and out in same motion while reaching forward with right arm. Repeat for 25 yards. Do three sets of 25 yards each.

Lateral-leg bound: Start in half-squat and drive off left leg to jump sideways, trying to achieve maximum distance on each bound. Continue for 25 yards. Switch legs and repeat exercise. Repeat using both legs. Do three sets with each leg and three with both.

Leap frogs: Spread feet a little wider than hips and squat. Place arms inside legs and place hands on ground between feet. Push off with hands and legs, exploding straight up. Land in a squat with arms in same position. Do this 15 times. Do one set.

Tuck jumps: Stand upright with knees bent slightly and legs shoulder-width apart. Flex knees, drop the hips and swing the arms backward at the shoulders. Squat down 10 to 12 inches and without pausing reverse direction and explode upward while swinging the arms upward. At peak of jump, pull knees toward the chest (grab your knees, if possible). Upon landing, repeat the exercise. Repeat 15 times. Do one set of 15.

Two forward jumps/one backward jump: Stand upright with feet hip-width apart and arms at sides. Push hips back, flex the knees and swing arms back while moving into a quarter squat. Without pausing in squat, jump forward and swing arms forward in one motion. Repeat again another forward jump, then jump back using the same technique. Repeat for 25 yards.

Reactive step-ups: Stand on step with feet shoulder-width apart. Jump down and immediately jump straight up. Do one set of 20.

Drop jumps: From raised platform or box, drop to ground and immediately jump upward. Do one set of 15.

Split jumps: Assume lunge position with right leg forward and flexed at knee, left leg slightly bent at knee. Right foot should be flat, only the ball of left foot should be touching ground. Using strength of right leg, jump straight up and land in same position. Do this 10 times. Switch legs and repeat exercise. Do one set for each leg.

"With these, you overwork the muscles for a period of time, says Darius. "The jumps help maintain proper technique, form and balance and have a full-body benefit."

Tennis ball drills

Variation 1: Stand five yards from a partner, who is holding a tennis ball. When your partner drops the ball, run and catch it before the second bounce. Do this 10 times.

Variation 2: Turn so your partner, who is holding the ball, is facing your left side. Keep head and eyes straight ahead while your partner drops the ball. Run and catch it before the second bounce. Do this 10 times, then turn so your partner faces your right side and repeat the exercise.

Says Darius: "These improve reaction time and acceleration. The second variation helps peripheral vision."

Core

(Rest time is 15 seconds between sets.)

Hanging leg lifts: Grip a chin-up bar with your arms overhead and your legs extended to the floor. Slowly bend your knees and raise them toward your chest, then slowly extend your legs and return them to floor. Do 10 sets of 10.

Sit-ups on decline bench. Do 10 sets of 10.

Medicine ball: With back flat on floor, hold a ball behind your head with both hands. Sit up, keeping ball overhead. Do six sets of 10.

Says Darius: "Since I know Wednesday is a big core day, I'll do lower abs on Mondays, upper abs and middle abs on Tuesdays."

Hand-eye coordination

Catching footballs: Using a Juggs throwing machine, he catches 100 balls. He'll cover phantom receiver routes, going as far as 40 yards downfield, or stand 10 yards away and catch balls fired at 60 miles an hour. "I started doing this after the 2003 season," says Darius. "I realized I needed to create more turnovers. My kids [he's holding Zakee, below left] feed the machine, and I pay them a couple of dollars."

TUESDAY

Track workout

Two 150-meter sprints. Run each in less than 17 seconds. Rest three minutes. Three 200-meter sprints. Run each in less than 24 seconds. Rest three minutes. One 300-meter sprint. Run in less than 41 seconds. Rest five minutes.

Says Darius: "When I ran track in college, I learned how to build endurance."

Resistance sled drill

1. HAVE A PARTNER stand as shown on a blocking sled -- in Darius's case the partner is 251-pound linebacker Akin Ayodele.

2. CROUCH IN A DEFENSIVE BACK'S STANCE, about one foot from the face of the sled.

3. EXPLODE TOWARD THE SLED, knees and arms bent. Hit sled with palms and extend arms upon impact.

4. DRIVE SLED 15 YARDS. When training without a partner, drive sled 40 yards.

5. DO SIX TO EIGHT repetitions with one-minute rest intervals.

"It's important to stay as low as possible in this drill," Darius says. "If I do that, I'm working on my ability to accelerate."

Ladder drills

Similar to running through tires, these drills improve footwork. The primary goal is to pick the feet up and put them back on the ground as quickly as possible. Darius will do as many as five variations, including a backpedal, doing each drill 10 times.

Strength

Shoulders: Seated barbell press: Four sets of 12. Dumbbell lateral raise: Four sets of 12. Dumbbell front raise: Four sets of 12.

Abdominals: Hammer machine -- pulling and lifting legs/isolated training. Three sets of 15 or 20. "For the upper and middle abs," says Darius.

Calves: Seated calf raises. Three sets of 20. " When I work my calves from a seated position, I load as much weight as possible," says Darius. "Standing, I mix in some jumping. I try to flex my calves and push myself toward the ceiling, the way a basketball player might try to explode off the court."

Conditioning: Jump rope for 10 minutes.

Stamina: Box with heavy bag for five to seven 90-second rounds, using four different punches and four different kicks. Rest 45 seconds between rounds.

"In the medicine-ball variation, I'm trying to concentrate on what I'm doing while being blindsided by an opponent," says Darius. "It happens on the field all the time, and you have to learn to stay focused while the wind is getting knocked out of you."

cont'd...

Angry Pope

07-10-2007, 03:55 PM

cont'd...

Hand-eye coordination

Catching footballs: Same drill as Monday's.

Wednesday

(start at 9 a.m., end around 12:30 p.m.)

Core workout

Medicine Ball: Two sets of 20 reps with a 20-pound ball.

Reach-ups: Lay with back flat on the ground and knees beent slightly. Partner stands over the top with the ball. Rise up, reach for ball, grab and come forward. Reverse direction, return to the ground, hand ball back to partner.

Overhead: Lay with back flat on the ground and knees bent slightly. Partner stands at your feet (or on them, if necessary) while holding ball. Partner tosses ball into your hands as you ease your back to the ground and extend the ball behind your head. After touching the ground, immediately pull body back up with the abs and lob the ball back to partner.

Drop-abs: Lay flat with back on the ground. Have a partner hold the ball three feet above your midsection and drop it on your stomach as you tighten the abdominal muscles. Push ball back up to the partner and repeat. Focus on breathing because you don't want the ball hitting your stomach when your inhaling.

Dynamic (20 reps)

Glute-ham: Start on all fours. Bring left knee to chest, then push it straight back and up. Repeat with right leg. (20 reps)

Fire hydrant: Start on hands and knees. Extend right hip and keep knee bent. Push right foot upwards without arching the back. Then abduct knee away from the body and across the body. (20 reps)

Knee to shoulder: Start on all fours. Bring left knee forward to touch left shoulder. Return knee to starting position and repeat with right knee. (20 reps)

Leg outs: Start on all fours. Left right leg straight back, swing it to the front and back. Repeat exercise with left leg. (20 reps)

Pedastal

Bridge lower leg: Start in a push-up position but with elbows and forearms on the ground. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Pull in abdominals while extending right arm outward and left leg straight back. After 20 seconds, return arm and leg to the floor and then extend left arm outward and right straight back. Hold for 20 seconds. Do two sets for 20 seconds.

Bridge upper leg: Start in a push-up position with hands on the floor. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Pull in abdominals while extending right arm outward and left leg straight back. After 20 seconds, return arm and leg to the floor and then extend left arm outward and right straight back. Hold for another 20 seconds. (2x20 sec)

Bridge alternate arm/leg: Start in a push-up position but with elbows and forearms on the ground. Body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Pull in abdominals while extending right arm outward and left leg straight back. Return arm and leg to the floor and then extend left arm outward and right straight back. One set is two seconds. Do 10 sets of two seconds each.

Physio ball

Russian twist with weight: Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet flat. Hold the ball with arms extended in front of chest while leaning back at a 45-degree angle from the floor. Twist to the left as far as possible, then twist to the right as far as possible. (2x12)

Knee tuck: Roll the ball under your hips so you're balancing on your toes. (2x10)

Reverse crunch: Lay flat on floor with legs bent at 90-degree angle, hands underneath buttocks and ball in between feet. Raise legs knees back toward the face, then reverse direction and return feet to the floor. (2x10)

Bridge: Lay flat on the floor with legs straight on the ball (it should be touching your calves). Keep arms at your sides and hands on the floor. Tighten and lift buttocks off the floor while tightening abdominals at the same time. Hold for 20 seconds. Do two sets of 20 seconds each.

Cable

One arm rotational: Stand with left side facing the cable. Reach across the body with right hand while facing laterally, grab cable, squat and rotate hips through the motion. Turn hips all the way to right and sweep the strap across the body (it should feel similar to the motion of a golf swing). Switch sides and repeat. (Two sets of 10 reps with 70 to 100 pounds)

Cable lifting: Start in same position with cable handle down low. Reach down to grab cable with both hands. Pull cable across body, up to chin, rotate hips and extend arms upward. (2x10 with 70 to 100 pounds)

Cable chopping: Start in same position with cable handle up high. Right up and grab cable with both hands. Pull cable across the body, rotate hips and extend arms downward. (2x10 with 70 to 100 pounds)

Thursday

(Start at 9 a.m., end around 12:30 p.m.)

Agility

Position drills (backpedal, change directions, driving on the ball).

Conditioning

Three sets of step-ups on Reebok step (10 sets consisting of one minute of continuous movement).

Strength

Back: Low row (4x12 starting with 175 pounds and increasing to 195, 215 and 235). Hammer machine -- pull-down (4x12 starting with 200 pounds and increasing to 220 and 240). Hammer machine -- pull-up (4x12 starting with 200 pounds and increasing to 220 and 240). Band exercises (sawing back and forth) (4x12). Weighted pull-ups (4x8 starting with 185 pounds and increasing to 205 and 225).

Biceps: Curls -- One set of six reps in the following order: 15 pounds, then 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 (no rest between sets). Preacher curls (2x10 with 50 pounds). Isolated manual resistance (2x12).

Conditioning

Jump rope for 10 minutes.

Hand-eye coordination

Catch 100 balls on Juggs machine.

Friday

QUICKNESS

Ladder drills: Similar to running through tires, these drills improve footwork. The primary goal is to pick the feet up and put them back on the ground as quickly as possible. Darius will do as many as five variations, including a backpedal, doing each drill 10 times.

SPEED

400-meter runs: Darius makes three runs, taking only a 60- to 90-second break after each. If doing this with a partner, he treats it like a relay: As soon as one person gets to the finish line, the other starts.

STAMINA

Jumping rope: Darius jumps for 10 minutes, without rest, doing various maneuvers and footwork drills such as crisscrossing the rope, jumping on one leg and running in place as he jumps.

HEAVY-BAG DRILL

Purpose: This exercise helps Darius with his strength, endurance, flexibility and hand-eye coordination. He trains for five to seven rounds at 90 seconds per round with 45 seconds of recovery time between rounds.

Technique:Stand on balls of feet, which are slightly more than shoulder width apart. Keep body weight centered and balanced.

Punches:Straight strikes, hooks and roundhouse blows (all with both arms). In a defensive-back stance (bump-and-run position), pepper bag with six-inch jabs, then chop the bag with the sides of the hands.

Kicks:Roundhouse and straight-on.

Twist:A workout partner throws a 20-pound medicine ball at Darius's midsection while he's punching and kicking. "I'm trying to concentrate while being blindsided," he says. "It happens on the field all the time, and you have to stay relaxed and focused while the wind is getting knocked out of you. Football is physical, but this drill is also about mental toughness."

HAND-EYE COORDINATION

Catching football. (See above.)

STRENGTH

WEIGHTLIFTING (45 seconds rest between each set). Power clean: Two sets of five repetitions at 185 pounds; two sets of five at 225 pounds; two sets of five at 255; two sets of five at 275.

Squat: Two sets of five at 275 pounds; two sets of five at 315; two sets of five at 345; two sets of five at 365.

Single-leg press: Six sets of 10, each leg, 360 pounds.

Leg extensions(seated): Three sets of 15, each leg, 160 pounds.

Leg curls(lying on stomach): Three sets of 15 with each leg, 130 pounds.

R4Life

07-10-2007, 04:13 PM

Cable lifting: Start in same position with cable handle down low. Reach down to grab cable with both hands. Pull cable across body, up to chin, rotate hips and extend arms upward. (2x10 with 70 to 100 pounds)

Cable chopping: Start in same position with cable handle up high. Right up and grab cable with both hands. Pull cable across the body, rotate hips and extend arms downward. (2x10 with 70 to 100 pounds)

He better bulk up. I hear old Tom goes about three bills and can chop block with the best of them. :)

R4Life

07-10-2007, 04:30 PM

It is a three year $7 million deal.

This averages to 2.4 milion per year (if it goes the full three years) and it is likely back loaded, so the price tag for this year is lower and year 3 is larger. Donovin has been making about a mill per year lately:
Year Team Total Salary
2006 Jaguars $ 3,002,640
2005 Jaguars $ 4,970,640
2004 Jaguars $ 4,116,200
2003 Jaguars $ 3,044,200
2002 Jaguars $ 1,077,000
2001 Jaguars $ 942,680
2000 Jaguars $ 1,493,000

007

07-10-2007, 04:32 PM

Im pumped.

Either way we have a solid safety off the bench and a solid corner off the bench (Darius-Stu-Routt)

RaiderIVlife

07-10-2007, 04:45 PM

Im pumped.

Either way we have a solid safety off the bench and a solid corner off the bench (Darius-Stu-Routt)

I don't understand how anyone could be upset about this? It's a 3 man competition for 2 jobs. If Schweigert is able to fend of the challenge, so be it. If Darius is 'done', then Schweigert retains the job anyway. If Darius still has something left, we have a solid back-up in Schweigert. Besides, Al Davis drafted Michael Huff to make "impact plays" on the field. I still say he has a better shot at doing it from the FS position (shrug).

Win-Win-Win

Raider Nation

07-10-2007, 04:50 PM

R4Life

07-10-2007, 05:22 PM

Think about some other big hitting, long in the tooth safeties we have acquired:
Rod Woodson and Ronnie Lott. Both still had some in the tank and provided leadership. I'm so on board with this. Competition - may the strongest survive. This signing improves the nickel and the 6 db package.

Rupert

07-10-2007, 05:23 PM

This is going to delay Frampton's rise into the starting lineup.

Is that necessarily a bad thing?

S and B Executioner

07-10-2007, 05:42 PM

It's going to be interesting to see just how bad we can jack up the spelling of DD's name... R4 is off to a flying start with Donivin Dariuas... Just wait till the school marm sees that...

We'll see how Stu responds... if he steps up and holds on, Darius could just be filling the big nickle sub spot...

I imagine the Isiah Kaz signing should be final soon as well...

Bring Kaz and then put Stu at the nickle slot and special teams and we've gained HUGE. A very nice pick up to say the least. We essentially replace Gibson with DD. HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

007

07-10-2007, 06:00 PM

It definitely was a type when they listed him at 205 though.

My last 3 Lindys and my other mags have him at 220-225 in each.

He aint no Huff sized pip squeak. He's a banger.

Jack's sore libido

07-10-2007, 06:07 PM

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12315

225 pounds

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 06:45 PM

That is NOT a workout regimine for the weak minded... I find the resistance sled work and 400 meter relays to be especially bad memories... but nothing is worse than those 6 sets of power cleans with 40 seconds between sets... That is historically a puke producer... Then again, there is nothing more fun than watching kids who think a 350 lb bench press is the end all to training get bitchslapped by power cleans...

My job as a leader on this team is to help everyone reach their maximum potential. I try to do that through workouts, conversations, mentoring, time or whatever I have to do.

If I were Kiff, I'd have this guy not only working with guys like Huff, but I'd have him rooming with JaMarcus and Mike Bush... He may not have the same skillset, but his approach to training, film study and the game itself is very Rod Woodsonish...

Raidermania12

07-10-2007, 07:04 PM

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/12315

225 pounds

225 pounds of this.
http://www.krittercards.com/images/snail3.jpg

Good luck to Darius. Hope his body doesnt fall apart, But my expectations are fairly low for him at this point.

Crow

07-10-2007, 07:08 PM

If I were Kiff, I'd have this guy not only working with guys like Huff, but I'd have him rooming with JaMarcus and Mike Bush... He may not have the same skillset, but his approach to training, film study and the game itself is very Rod Woodsonish...

A large reason for bringing him in, I believe. Probably the best reason.

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 07:17 PM

It definitely was a typo when they listed him at 205 though.

Uh yeah it was.... :eek:

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/jeffri_chadiha/08/03/workouts/t1_darius.jpg

R4Life

07-10-2007, 07:27 PM

225 pounds of this.
http://www.krittercards.com/images/snail3.jpg

225 lbs of this as well

I don't even think he has the ball

http://www.unofficialmind.com/nfl_online_betting_ferguson_darius_hit.jpg

http://www.onmilwaukee.com/images/articles/czaban122204_story1.jpg

oh, there it is...

http://staugustine.com/images/122004/sports00.jpg

oooh man. buyah!

CrossBones

07-10-2007, 07:27 PM

Dude looks like a football player to me. Hits like a friggin' truck.

007

07-10-2007, 07:28 PM

A veteran SS with 600+ tackles, and 14 career picks.

Take Starks out of the equation and he has more stats than our entire secondary combined.

At 1-2 mil per, he's a good guy to have for depth and in the locker room.

Im not too dissapointed that our average D age just 'jumped' to 26 instead of 25...

If we get Gaither on Thursday morning this will officially become my favorite offseason. Ever.

Banter

07-10-2007, 07:30 PM

I'll be interested to see how we handle Gates and Gonzo this year. Better not be DD cause those boys will rip his ass up.

RaiderIVlife

07-10-2007, 07:32 PM

Dude looks like a football player to me. Hits like a friggin' truck.

I could be wrong, but he might, just might, hit a bit harder than Stuey or Huff combined. There should be some sort of Law that all Raider Teams have a "Thumper" at SS.

Love this signing.

Welcome to Oakland Donovin Darius !!!!

007

07-10-2007, 07:38 PM

He tore Ferguson's head right off.

It was about that time that Ferguson stopped being the 'future WR' of the Packers, lol.

The dude can drop the hammer.

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 07:51 PM

I'll be interested to see how we handle Gates and Gonzo this year.

My money's on us gameplanning Thomas Howard to get more of those matchups...

Tatum and Atkinson would have been proud of that Hook Darius put on Fergie... It's illegal now, but I'll give up the occassional 15 yards to send a message every once in awhile...

Raidermania12

07-10-2007, 07:58 PM

225 lbs of this as well

I don't even think he has the ball

oh, there it is...

http://staugustine.com/images/122004/sports00.jpg

oooh man. buyah!

And that hit will cost us 15 yards and maybe get him ejected. I'm more worried about guys waving goodbye as the pass him by.
http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper410/stills/4ypiv6j2.jpg

and theres pretty good odds of this happening.
http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20061120/Darius_78195.jpg

Madturk

07-10-2007, 08:10 PM

R4Life

07-10-2007, 08:13 PM

And that hit will cost us 15 yards and maybe get him ejected. I'm more worried about guys waving goodbye as the pass him by.
http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper410/stills/4ypiv6j2.jpg

and theres pretty good odds of this happening.
http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20061120/Darius_78195.jpg

This photo was in a 24-17 win over the Cowgirls last year. No receiver had more than 81 yards and 6 receptions led the caballeros. It looks like he's beging him to stop to me... look at the position he has on him
(Tullamore Dew)

Byron2112

07-10-2007, 09:06 PM

Dude is definatly LB sized and leaves a LB's impression when he comes callin'

I don't see why this wouldn't work as well as our other over-the-hill saftey pick ups.

Dave Wiemer(RIP) not withstanding.

RaiderIVlife

07-10-2007, 09:13 PM

Kiffin & Company made this signing to return "attitude" to the Raiders as much as anything he might do on the football field. I don't mean attitude in the present day sense that he's some a-hole that can't stay out of trouble. I'm talking about a dude that brings proffesional toughness to the field. Much like a Ray Lewis.

This is a smart move. Raider teams should have attitude. It's part of the culture.

Raidermania12

07-10-2007, 09:40 PM

This photo was in a 24-17 win over the Cowgirls last year. No receiver had more than 81 yards and 6 receptions led the caballeros. It looks like he's beging him to stop to me... look at the position he has on him
(Tullamore Dew)
Looks like Julius is about to pass him there IMO. Also glenn had that 81 yards on 4 catches. a 20 yard average. what a shut down. :rolleyes: Either way Darius had 2(alot i know) tackles in that game and i'm pretty sure that wasnt one of them.

Dude is pretty slow and I'd just as soon let bing take the spot if we are going back to slow hit and miss go for broke SS.With that said, i still wish him well.

RaiderIVlife

07-10-2007, 09:55 PM

If Schwiegert outplays Darius, so be it. I don't see one negative aspect to this signing. Sheesh.

Raiders draft Frampton. Raiders sign FA Safety Colin Branch. Raiders move Bing back to SS. Raiders sign Darius. Seems to me that if Schweigert was such a stallwart, half of these moves would not have been made.

I'm not going to sit here and denigrate Schweighert, but come one, the writing is on the wall.

007

07-10-2007, 10:16 PM

Im puzzled.

As a worst case scenario, Stu keeps his job?

Seems like its a cant miss move. I mean, we are paying Coop 1 mil a year, arent we? Seems like a bargain deal for a potential gamebreaker for the 29th ranked run defense.

SoCalRaider

07-10-2007, 11:13 PM

Seems like a bargain deal for a potential gamebreaker for the 29th ranked run defense.

Exactly bro... With Sapp and Burgess rushing the passer, I'm not convinced QBs are going to have the kind of time to expose many coverage flaws in our safeties... but our run D can sure as hell use all the help it can get from the secondary. This signing is as valuable to our run D as bringing in a fat assed DT.

hawaiianboy

07-10-2007, 11:52 PM

Raiders draft Frampton. Raiders sign FA Safety Colin Branch. Raiders move Bing back to SS. Raiders sign Darius.

It brings two things into my peabrain:

1) It kind of suggests that maybe Ryan wasn't pleased with somethings he saw in year end film review and grading....

and/or

2) Adding three physical safeties points to us using more of the Ryan 46 defense...

My guess is that with neither Frampton or Bing having any NFL game experience and with neither Huff or Stu physical enough at the point of attack, we snatched Darius up as a guy we can immediately plug in within the 46... Stu still gets his fair share of snaps in as a combo safety/nickle...

This is the best I've felt about our secondary in a looong time... Should we add Kaz, I'd feel great about the talent and depth of our LB core... I'm even confident that between Huntley, Moses, Brayton and Richardson (who has looked impressive as hell per Scwheig) that we'll get production from some one other than Burgess at DE...

The DT spot on the other hand... ::sigh:: It sure would be nice to see an unexpected cut of someone ala Darius... It's really too bad there's so much animousity between Sapp and Kris Jenkins because Carolina has an abundance of DT's and a need for a safety... We have a guy in Huff probably suited for a FS spot and a bunch of SS's... Some package of Scwheig for Jenkins would help fill needs for both teams...

The best we could probably hope for at this time is to sign Big Daddy Wilkinson to take 10-15 snaps a game in addition to clogging our toilets... Man we really need for Antaj to live up to his SR year hype...

Knight

07-11-2007, 12:16 AM

SoCal, why the rapist avatar?

RNorris

07-11-2007, 05:07 AM

Raidermania12

07-11-2007, 05:18 AM

If Schwiegert outplays Darius, so be it. .

They play two different positions, so thats an impossible scenario. And odds are Darius doesnt have to earned the starting SS position. Meaning that if he is a flop, we'll have to get our azz kicked on defense in order for him to get demoted. I see minor negatives in that scenario. Nothing so big that I dont hope he does well though. I just haven't seen anything in the past 2 years to suggest I shouldnt have low expectations of what we just signed.

jatfly

07-11-2007, 05:32 AM

I think this is a great signing for a few reasons:

1. Brings instant veteran leadership to the secondary. This is very key. Look at the secondary and you see Schweigert, Huff, Aso, Washington, Routt, Starks, Frampton, Carr, and Cooper. Only Starks and Cooper have been in the league over 5 years.

2. Pushes Stu either out of the starting lineup or makes him that much better. I don't see how this can be a negative. If Stu's going to keep his spot, he's going to have to out-play Darius. If he doesn't, he's on the bench and probably comes in as a Safety in the Big Nickel package. It's really that simple.

3. If Darius wins a starting position (assuming Huff wins the other) it eliminates the Left/Right Safety thing. Sorry, not a fan. Give me the traditional thumper in the box (Darius) coupled with the guy who can make every kind of play in the deep secondary (Huff). I'm satisfied. If Rob Ryan is really that keen on the L/R thing as a match-up problem, he subs in Schweigert on passing downs. Problem solved.

4. It's cheap. Oakland had $12+ million in cap space entering the week. The first year of the contract probably takes up approximately $1.5 of that. Add in the $6+ for the rookie pool and the Raiders still have a cool $4.5 -- $5m to play with and, hopefully, sign Asomugha to an extension.

As most of you already know I am one of those who think Stu is better then everyone else thinks.
I will say RN has it right, there is NO downside for us. We just got a little better no matter what happens.
Oh Yeah we could also use one old guy back there in the secondary.

I also agree I think this will push Stu and make him better. I don't think DD starts though; I like him just not sure if he is better in Coverage then Stu.
I think DD comes in to be the Nickel/Dime guy to protect against the run or draw type in long 3rd downs.
There is a one big issue I have with DD and Stu, one can play the run and one can play in coverage. Not sure we have one guy that can do both but I hope DD pushes Stu or teaches Stu how to better play the Run..

My biggest problem was with Huff last year I know he should play better in 2007 but he was little problem on the D last year, he read plays wrong and didn't make enough big plays. If I had my choice it may be bring in Huff and start with Stu and DD???

Cheap is always good......

RHC

07-11-2007, 06:07 AM

CrossBones

07-11-2007, 06:12 AM

HBoy is gonna be pissed off if Alan Branch blows up in the pros.

Big Fat Ass DT --> Alan Branch.

Just sayin'.

Angry Pope

07-11-2007, 07:53 AM

Darius signing shouldn't spell end for Schweigert

Ray Aspuria
Article Launched: 07/11/2007

Took them long enough didn't it? Finally, Donovin Darius is officially a Raider.

After two weeks of circulating through various rumor mills both in print and online, Oakland made it official on Tuesday, they signed the former Jacksonville safety to a three-year $7.1 million contract.

On the surface Darius' arrival appears to bolster a unit which was one of Raiders' strengths during an abysmal season last year.

His signing probably means the end of Stuart Schweigert's reign on the free safety position -- allowing Oakland to shift Michael Huff over -- and Darius to man the rover spot.

In addition, he adds some veteran leadership and knowledge to a youthful array of weapons in the defensive backfield.

Darius is like a shiny new book to add to the Raiders' library of defensive backs, but don't get too excited, the cover may look better than what's filled within the pages.

First, Darius is coming off an injury plagued final two years with the Jaguars. He is still rehabbing a broken ankle which limited him to a mere 10 games last season. The year before, he only played in six.

However, there's no doubting what this 6-foot, one-inch, 205-pound battering ram can do when he's healthy.

Since being drafted in the first round in 1998, Darius has racked up 614 tackles with two sacks and 14 interceptions in his nine seasons with Jacksonville.

Once a liability in pass coverage, Darius improved throughout the years, without losing his mean-streak as a tackling machine.

His presence can certainly affect the way the running-back laden AFC West approaches the Raiders defense next season.

However, Oakland already has two DBs on the roster with the same type of resume -- Darnell Bing and Eric Frampton.

Both can drop the hammer much like Darius, are younger and their bodies haven't taken the toll of annihilating the opposition for nine seasons.

The only drawback is their inexperience at the NFL level.

Darius on the other hand is 31 and will turn 32 next month.

He's got the smarts to be a real weapon in the secondary but can he do it physically?

From all accounts, Darius should be healthy come training camp, but at what cost?

If he does come in and take a spot away from Schweigert, it would be a wily veteran with miles on him, snatching the job from a younger player who's still learning on the job.

Would a healthy Darius improve an already good secondary?

Yes.

Would not having a healthy Darius roaming the backfield hurt?

Probably not.

Oakland returns it's core defensive players in tact and it can't get much worse.

The chemistry the defense has built last season should be kept intact and another piece shouldn't be implemented into the machine, especially an aging one.

Oakland would be better served by sticking with what it's got and improving from there.

The majority of Raider fans have been calling for Schweigert's benching and on the surface, it looks warranted. Many are wondering what happened to the ball-hawk that came out of Purdue and put on the Silver and Black -- accounted by Schweigert's two INTs in his three seasons in Oakland.

But keep this in mind.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's scheme doesn't put the burden on safeties in terms of pass coverage.

They're more like extra linebackers as Ryan loves to leave his cornerbacks on an island in man-to-man coverage while safeties either play over the top -- to ensure the opposition doesn't make the big play -- or they play in the box to help in run support.

While Schweigert isn't a form tackler -- he tends to go for the feet instead of chest-to-chest -- and he has missed the occasionally hit, but he's an adequate safety, a testament to his 107 tackles last season.

Oakland has done a nice job rebuilding this past offseason and the addition of Darius is a testament to the teams desire to improve.

But the team is in the rebuilding phase, not in the reloading phase.

Darius may come in and be an effective stop gap for a year or two, but what happens then?

He'll be an aging safety and let's be honest, Oakland is far from being a playoff contender for at least another year or two.

In the time span Darius is a starter, he will have taken precious playing time away from a group of guys who were once younger and might have become just as good, if not, better.

massraider

07-11-2007, 08:51 AM

I posted this in another forum, and just pasted it here. it was in response to another post, so it may not make total sense, but it's pretty much my thoughts:

First, that contract doesn't really tell me too much. I have a feeling the breakdown will show a backloaded deal, ending when Darius is 35. He won't see year 3 of that deal.

When Huff was drafted, he was pegged as best suited for FS, and was (slightly) out of place at SS. Myself, I loved the idea of having a S that runs sub-4.4. Something about being in a division with Gates and Gonzales, you know? I also think, league-wide, that the big bruiser at SS is quickly becoming a thing of the past. With the freaks at TE, and 3 WR sets, range and speed need to be at every position across the secondary.

Stu is not really a fan favorite among the Raiders, but I like him. He has a average-to-decent range for a FS, and good range for a SS. And he's very good in run support. He hasn't had many impact plays or turnovers since he came into the league, which explains the Raider fans restlessness, but I can't think of too many times I saw him burned deep. The #1 thing I want from a FS is stopping the big play, the cheap TD over the top. And Stu has been good at that. He's missed some tackles, to be sure, but heck, the only safety I can never remember missing a tackle was Joey Browner. In short, I think he's a decent player. Also, he is a vocal leader on a very young defense, and actually likes being a Raider (!). This is not a guy in the doghouse.

If Darius is his old self, I think he'll force his way onto the field. But he is 32, has a lot of tackles and mileage, and is coming off an injury. He's had some boo-boos. And I am willing to bet that his range is significantly less than Stu's.

Now, maybe the Raiders know that, and are looking to beef up the rush defense. The left side of their D is an undersized end (Burgess), and an average SLB (Sam Williams). But outside runs weren't their problem. The speed of their defense really prevents regular success to the outside. It was runs up the gut that hurt them. Hopefully, more of Terd Sands (a monster in the making), and Kirk Morrison getting comfortable in the middle can help that. Now that I type this, I could see Darius coming on board as much to help in run support as anything else.

I am just not so sure that he would be a major improvement over Stu (heck, they signed Colin Branch as well) at SS, if that is the plan.

If the plan is to move Huff to FS, I can see it, but I am a little disappointed. I think Huff could make more plays at SS, myself, but I could very well be wrong. Huff didn't make any from that spot last year, but geez, how many teams felt the need to take any chances against the Raiders last year? Cripes, teams were playing kill-the-clock 5 minutes into the game. There weren't many cheap turnovers off mistakes last year for this D. Which makes Scrabble Asomougha's year even more impressive.

I also freely admit that I am looking at this with my own pre-conceived notions. I love the youth and speed of this defense, and after years of watching slow safeties chase average players into the end zone, I am willing to give up some intimidation for a little speed.

Angry Pope

07-11-2007, 09:55 AM

Here is one picture of Darius making a play against us...

Hit it here... (http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site568/2007/0711/20070711_094610_darius_GALLERY.jpg)

jatfly

07-11-2007, 10:14 AM

Here is one picture of Darius making a play against us...

Hit it here... (http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site568/2007/0711/20070711_094610_darius_GALLERY.jpg)

Yeah nice making a play against the guy with Nude pictures of someone in the front office, PLEASE tell me Whited doesn't take a young guys spot this year.
I want to see more of Morant and Taylor has to be better then Alvis and hopefully BMW stays healthy and actually plays....

R4Life

07-11-2007, 10:51 AM

The DT spot on the other hand... ::sigh:: It sure would be nice to see an unexpected cut of someone ala Darius...

How's about this guy?

DT Walker prepared for free agency after talks with Bills hit impasse

By John Wawrow, AP Sports Writer

BUFFALO, N.Y. — From Philadelphia to Buffalo and potentially back again: Defensive tackle Darwin Walker is prepared for anything - even becoming a free agent in August - after contract talks with the Bills reached an impasse Wednesday.

"Whether we're done talking, I don't want to go that far," Walker's agent, Albert Irby, told The Associated Press after talks broke down. "I've got to hope they change their mind, because I can tell you we're not changing ours."

And that could mean Walker's tenure with the Bills might be a short one in what is quickly becoming one of the team's most convoluted and unusual acquisitions.

A seven-year veteran, Walker was acquired by the Bills in March as part of a trade that sent Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes to Philadelphia.

Walker has two years left on his contract, but has yet to report to the Bills after stipulating Buffalo negotiate a new deal.

The Bills, however, included a clause in the trade in which they would receive a sixth-round draft pick and return Walker to Philadelphia if the player didn't report by Aug. 5.

Barring a breakthrough, Irby believes the Bills will have no choice but to send Walker back to the Eagles, at which point he expects Philadelphia to release his client.

The Bills were not immediately available for comment. The Eagles, meanwhile, have yet to discuss their intentions should they reacquire Walker.

Bills general manager Marv Levy said earlier this month that the team was prepared to move on without Walker.

Talks broke down after Irby said he rejected the Bills' latest offer of a one-year, $1.3 million deal. That's what Walker was scheduled to be paid this season under his current contract, which was to also pay him $1.4 million in 2008.

Irby said he's open to a one-year deal, but not for that kind of money.

"It doesn't make any sense," he said. "At $1.3 million, Darwin would be the lowest-paid five-year starter in the league."

Walker has 26 1/2 sacks over the past five years, making him the fourth-most productive defensive tackle during that span. He's also an agile and penetrating tackle who would fit the Bills' defensive scheme.

Irby said he's confident Walker will receive better offers in free agency even in August, when most teams are a week or two into training camp and their rosters relatively set.

Walker faced being fined by Buffalo for missing the team's three mandatory minicamps earlier this month.

"It's left me disappointed," Irby said, noting most teams have restructured contracts when acquiring players in the past. "They, for some shocking reason to me, knew this and made the trade and then didn't want to do the deal."

Irby held out hope that the Bills might increase their offer by July 25, when players report for the start of training camp.

"This could be a strategy of theirs because nothing is going on between now and then," Irby said. "Before I say, 'Not optimistic,' I've seen these kind of deals before where at the 11th hour something gets done. So the door's cracked open."

Angry Pope

07-11-2007, 10:53 AM

Raiders bolster secondary with Darius

July 11, 2007

PFW asks associate editor Mike Wilkening for his take on NFL topics of interest.

Raiders sign ex-Jaguars S Darius

The Raiders signed former Jaguars S Donovin Darius on Tuesday. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the deal is worth $7.1 million and is for three years. Darius, who will be 32 in August, notched 49 tackles in 10 games last season. The Jaguars released him in June. Darius missed six games with a broken right leg in '06, and he missed 14 games in '05 after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“We are extremely excited about adding Donovin to the Raiders,” Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin said in a statement. “He will bring us strong competition and he gives us added flexibility in our secondary. Donovin exemplifies hard work and dedication to the game.”

PFW: What will Darius' role be in Oakland?

Wilkening: The Raiders have done away with the "strong" and "free" safety designations, and Darius will likely compete with both Michael Huff and Stuart Schweigert for playing time. However, Darius was not practicing with the Jaguars at the end of his stay with the club as he recovered from his leg injury, and it is unclear whether he will be limited at the beginning of camp.

The wild card of this deep, talented group is Huff, the Raiders' first-round pick in '06. If he's learned some lessons after a good, not great, rookie season, and if the Raiders are ready to let him be more aggressive, he could be a smash hit in his second season. Schweigert is no slouch, either, a cerebral and athletic safety. That's why the Raiders' interest in Darius was somewhat surprising at first. But with a new coaching staff in place, and with Kiffin having been familiar with Darius after serving as a Jaguars quality-control coach in 2000, it appears that the hard-hitting stalwart has found new professional life in a secondary that was plenty talented to begin with. If Darius can return to form, it will be loaded. The Raiders have a potential star cornerback in Nnamdi Asomugha and another solid corner in Fabian Washington, and now they are even more solid up the middle.

R4Life

07-11-2007, 10:55 AM

Here is a two part interview of DD right after his release. The way everyone is reacting, you can tell how much the fans, media and players love this guy. I'm so sold. Before he leaves he tells the Offense to "buckle up your chinstraps, I'm on the other side now." He'll get his shot at them on 12/23/07 when he returns in S&B.
Welcome, 'Double D', to Raider Nation and the HOT.

Part 1 (http://video.aol.com/video-detail/id/941846524)

Part 2 (http://video.aol.com/video-detail/id/1825533329)

RaiderIVlife

07-11-2007, 10:58 AM

They play two different positions, so thats an impossible scenario. And odds are Darius doesnt have to earned the starting SS position. Meaning that if he is a flop, we'll have to get our azz kicked on defense in order for him to get demoted. I see minor negatives in that scenario. Nothing so big that I dont hope he does well though. I just haven't seen anything in the past 2 years to suggest I shouldnt have low expectations of what we just signed.

The Raiders were flip-flopping Schweigert & Huff this offseason anyway. Schweighert IS going to play some SS this season (whether he starts or not).

RaiderIVlife

07-11-2007, 11:01 AM

As most of you already know I am one of those who think Stu is better then everyone else thinks.
I will say RN has it right, there is NO downside for us. We just got a little better no matter what happens.
Oh Yeah we could also use one old guy back there in the secondary.

I also agree I think this will push Stu and make him better. I don't think DD starts though; I like him just not sure if he is better in Coverage then Stu.
I think DD comes in to be the Nickel/Dime guy to protect against the run or draw type in long 3rd downs.
There is a one big issue I have with DD and Stu, one can play the run and one can play in coverage. Not sure we have one guy that can do both but I hope DD pushes Stu or teaches Stu how to better play the Run..

My biggest problem was with Huff last year I know he should play better in 2007 but he was little problem on the D last year, he read plays wrong and didn't make enough big plays. If I had my choice it may be bring in Huff and start with Stu and DD???

Cheap is always good......

Did you not see Huff lock down TE's last year? He was better as a rookie than Schwiegert was in his 3rd year.

R4Life

07-11-2007, 11:02 AM

Quality is not great, but man this was hard to find. Here's Darius clotheslining Ferguson:

oh my freakin throat (http://motiono.com/watch/sUeciMuC)

R4Life

07-11-2007, 11:04 AM

Comparisons to R-Wood and Lott...

You're killing me.

Maybe more like Eric Turner, then.

jatfly

07-11-2007, 11:31 AM

Did you not see Huff lock down TE's last year? He was better as a rookie than Schwiegert was in his 3rd year.

Yes I did, yes He was able to cover TE's WOW! What about evertyhing else. He was Ok last year but a first round guy I expected more from him.
I like Huff he needs to bulk up a little and get more comfortable back there is all. I don't want to get into a pissing battle about who's better. We all know Huff is. My only argument was I like what Stu has been doing and the direction he is going. I just don't want to stunt that by benching him and bringing in Darius.

TommyGirl

07-11-2007, 11:32 AM

Just wait till the school marm sees that...
I'm not sure that silverblackdoll visits this board very much or she would've already commented on it. :D

I dig this signing. A lot. I'm with all of you who've commented on the tight ends in the AFC West, and this can only help.

Jack's sore libido

07-11-2007, 11:48 AM

I just don't want to stunt that by benching him and bringing in Darius.

These days, I think you can count on playing 5 DBs a lot more than just third-and-long, so I tend to think Stu is going to get plenty of PT with or without Darius on the team.

R4Life

07-11-2007, 12:48 PM

Ferguson said he accepts Darius' apology

Associated Press

Updated: December 21, 2004, 11:12 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Jacksonville safety Donovin Darius was fined $75,000 by the NFL on Tuesday for a hit across the neck of Green Bay's Robert Ferguson that left the wide receiver temporarily paralyzed.

Ferguson temporarily lost feeling in his legs after this clothesline from Darius.

Darius, who was ejected from the game, wasn't suspended because league disciplinarian Gene Washington noted that this was the first time he had been fined for a violation.

The hit came in the fourth quarter of Jacksonville's 28-25 win over the Packers.

Ferguson caught a pass over the middle, and Darius hit him across the helmet and neck with a forearm. Ferguson lay on the ground and was taken off the field, regaining feeling in his legs later, after he was hospitalized.

He was released from the hospital Tuesday and is officially listed as out for Friday's game against Minnesota with head and neck injuries.

Ferguson said in an interview with Houston television station KRIV that he thought the league took the appropriate action in imposing the fine.

"I think the league definitely had to step up and do something in that situation," Ferguson said. "That's a tackle that's been outlawed for awhile."

Ferguson said he didn't think Darius meant to hurt him.

"It was definitely an illegal hit but I don't think he did it on purpose, though."

Darius said in a statement that he spoke with Ferguson on Monday in the hospital.

"We had a good conversation in which he told me he has no hard feelings," Darius said. "We agreed that it was a part of the game. The most important thing is that Robert is OK."

Ferguson said he was pleased Darius called him and he accepted Darius' apology.

"He's not a dirty player at all. He's just an aggressive player," Ferguson said. "He showed his character by calling me. He didn't have to do that."

Ferguson said he didn't know when he would be able to play again.

Darius, whose annual salary is more than $4 million a season, was ejected from the game by referee Ed Hochuli.

"You violently and unnecessarily struck your opponent in the neck and head area with your forearm," Washington said in his letter to Darius.

Packers quarterback Brett Favre said he expected a heavy fine.

"I don't know him personally. He seems like a good guy and it's an unfortunate hit," Favre said. "And his comments were he was going for the ball. Maybe he was. Maybe his sole intention was to knock the ball out, but it just didn't seem like it.

"You'd hate to think that you'd ruin a guy's career, and Fergie, by all accounts, will come back from it. But mentally will he be the same? I don't know," he said.

Not like he was ever that good, but since that hit he caught 32 passes and then went out of the league with only 116 receptions for a career.

Angry Pope

07-11-2007, 01:00 PM

You've heard the last of Darius

Josh Shear July 11, 2007 2:10PM

SU alum Donovin Darius has gone where all great defensive players go to languish in obscurity: to the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders, who finished 2-14 last season, had one of the stingiest defenses in the league. No, seriously. They may have given up twice as many points as the offense scored (332 vs. 168), but they allowed the fewest yards passing per game (150.8) in the NFL, and the third fewest total yards (248.8) per game.

So, how does a team with one of the best defenses in the NFL wind up 2-14? Easy. You have an offense dead last in total yards and total points.

Darius will have a lot to contribute to Oakland. He's a veteran player who holds a lot of Jacksonville team records. It'll be hard for Oakland to improve on being third best (there are, after all, only two spots to go), but even when he's not playing, he'll be a great boost on the sidelines as the Raiders look to build for the future on both sides of the ball.

hawaiianboy

07-11-2007, 02:28 PM

I'm not sure that silverblackdoll visits this board very much or she would've already commented on it. :D

Yeah, uhm, that's who I was referring to... I promise ;)

Quality is not great, but man this was hard to find. Here's Darius clotheslining Ferguson:

oh my freakin throat (http://motiono.com/watch/sUeciMuC)

Is it totally wrong that I'm pretending that's Randy Moss getting hooked instead of Fergie?...

That shows how hard the WR's had it before the league got all soft and 'opened up the passing game'... Corners could bump them all the way up the field and then safeties could legally blast them across the grill with clotheslines...

Any of you Pacific Northwest waterheads catch John Clayton on 950 there?... Someone told me that he indicated that Isaiah Kaz already signed a vet minimum contract with us... For some reason only the 2nd half of yesterday's Softy show is archived...

BigTron

07-11-2007, 02:47 PM

Im happy as hell about this. This guy is the hitter this defense is missing. He is also a leader on and off the field. Sure he is aging, but that didnt stop Rodney Harrison from going nuts for the patsies. Darnell Bing and Frampton are going to have a guy to show them how to play the position. They both will benefit greatly from this move. Besides you never know Huff or Stu might go down with an injury. Someone should tell Len PastaBelly that Huff is better suited at FS. The one article said Rob Ryan's safeties are more like extra LB's, well guess what, DD is a LB playing safety and STu and Huff are not. I think as long as they package the three correctly this move takes our defense up a knotch.

Anyone who doesnt like this move will change their mind when DD lays LT out for the first time! Im pumped to have a nasty killer back there! Im starting to remember the Ravens superbowl run and their lack of offense, hmmmm.

Byron2112

07-11-2007, 03:09 PM

Clayton seems to think the Raiders are the front runners to sign Tank for whatever that's worth.

BigTron

07-11-2007, 03:12 PM

Wow our defense would have us contending for a wildcard with any offensive production if we added a run stopping DT. Holy shit we got better this offseason.

S and B Executioner

07-11-2007, 04:19 PM

If we have, indeed, signed Kaz and can POSSIBLY lock up Tank, that would just be SICK, SICK, SICK!! The special teams impact alone is huge. One could assume that SS, kaz and Frampton WOULD BE HUGE ON st. Then the competition for safety between Bing, SS, Huff and DD, EVERYONE gets better or goes home. Tank on the Dline?? Ya, thats abig fix in every meaning of the word!

Raidermania12

07-11-2007, 04:34 PM

Tank Johnson. :eek: Now that would be a real signing.

CrossBones

07-11-2007, 05:16 PM

Comparisons to R-Wood and Lott...

You're killing me.What I'd say is it's a comparison for the idiots (haters) who say because Darius is 32 and has had an injury that he's automatically done. BS.

So the obvious comparisons come about Lott and Woodson both being older and with some injury issues when we signed them. Not that Darius compares to Lott and Woodson talent wise necessarily. But both those guys worked out pretty good. Point is Darius is better than any SS we have on the roster. I like that.

I think the Raiders realize that our defense might not be complete. And maybe they don't think it was quite as strong against the pass as maybe the stats showed because teams tried like hell to run on us last year possibility inflating our defense passing stats. So I like the idea of always trying to improve the personnel no matter which side of the ball we're talking about.

You're either going forward or you're going backwards. I think Rob Ryan realizes this and sees some issues.

As for Tank Johnson I wish we'd just do it. He could be the missing piece of the defensive puzzle.

Angry Pope

07-11-2007, 05:53 PM

Terry Johnson

Position: Defensive Tackle/End
College:Washington
Height: 6-2
Weight: 283
Hometown: Chandler, Ariz.

OVERVIEW

Gifted athlete on the Husky defensive line who is a solid run stopper with a knack for getting pressure on the quarterback … Hails from the same high school as former University of Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel … A fine all-around athlete, he was originally recruited as a tight end … Started for the last two years, seeing action at both defensive tackle and end … Also drew some recruiting notice by college volleyball teams as a standout prep player … Sat out the 2000 season under NCAA Proposition 48 rules, but failed to earn enough academic credits during the 2003-04 semester to gain an additional year of eligibility … Started 23 of 35 games, recording 64 tackles (43 solos) with 15 sacks for minus-120 yards, 29 stops for losses of 153 yards, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception and a pair of pass deflections.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a muscular built, a barrel chest, well-developed trapezoids and thick thighs, calves and arms … Has a quick, even sudden initial step off the snap … Shows the instincts to locate the ball as the play develops, reading, blocking and feeling pressure well … Has the balance and lateral agility to quickly redirect … Plays with good leverage, avoiding the reach blocks with his hand usage … Holds his ground firmly at the point of attack and is very good at penetrating and disrupting the flow in the backfield … His lack of ideal bulk to be a defensive tackle and his exceptional quickness getting to the quarterback may be better suited for defensive end … Explosive striker who can flatten with his closing burst … Pressures the quarterback consistently, thanks to his spin, club-and-swim moves … Effective at striking low, snapping his hips and inverting the pocket … Sudden closer with great acceleration to the ball … When he remains focused, he creates mismatches for the larger blockers with his sudden speed and relentless attitude.

Negatives: Has a well-built frame, but does not have much more room to add needed bulk … Has tremendous talent, but needs to be challenged and prodded for him to produce … Will take long stretches of plays off … Has a great initial step, but does not use it consistently … When he gets too high in his stance, blockers can wash him out … Needs to play from snap to whistle, as he will not go all-out, especially when asked to generate a lateral pursuit … Has the burst to close, but does not always finish … When he gets too aggressive, he fails to wrap and secure as a tackler … When he does not show aggression, he quickly disappears from the action … Has more talent than any Washington defensive lineman in recent years, but needs to dedicate himself to his craft and drastically upgrade his work ethic.

AGILITY TESTS

4.83 in the 40-yard dash … 400-pound bench press … 33-inch arm length … 9 3/8-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended McClintock (Tempe, Ariz.) High, playing football for coach Dennis Johnson … Had 21 receptions for 211 yards, and four touchdowns as a tight end as a senior … On defense, he recorded 47 total tackles, three sacks and forced three fumbles … Two-time all-city and all-region honoree … Tacoma News-Tribune "Western 100" selection … Pepperdine Basketball Prep All-American … PrepStar's fourth-ranked tight end in the Western Region (8th-ranked recruit in Arizona according to PrepStar) … Also ranked eighth in SuperPrep's "Arizona 29" and was a SuperPrep All-American and its 13th-rated tight end on its national list … Member of Prep Football Report's All-West team … Also an outstanding prep volleyball player, being named to the all-state, all-region, and all-city teams.

PERSONAL

Sociology major … Son of Natalie and Terry Johnson … Guardian is Brenda Hanserd … Born Dec. 7, 1981 … Resides in Chandler, Ariz.

RaiderIVlife

07-11-2007, 06:41 PM

Yes I did, yes He was able to cover TE's WOW! What about evertyhing else. He was Ok last year but a first round guy I expected more from him.
I like Huff he needs to bulk up a little and get more comfortable back there is all. I don't want to get into a pissing battle about who's better. We all know Huff is. My only argument was I like what Stu has been doing and the direction he is going. I just don't want to stunt that by benching him and bringing in Darius.

Not a pissing match. Just a rebut on my part to something you said that I disagree with. Also, if we are going to say that Stu is still developing in year 3, what does that mean for Huff who only has 1 year of experience?

If Stu is the more productive player, he'll see the field more. It's really that simple.

RaiderIVlife

07-11-2007, 06:47 PM

What I'd say is it's a comparison for the idiots (haters) who say because Darius is 32 and has had an injury that he's automatically done. BS.

So the obvious comparisons come about Lott and Woodson both being older and with some injury issues when we signed them. Not that Darius compares to Lott and Woodson talent wise necessarily. But both those guys worked out pretty good. Point is Darius is better than any SS we have on the roster. I like that.

I think the Raiders realize that our defense might not be complete. And maybe they don't think it was quite as strong against the pass as maybe the stats showed because teams tried like hell to run on us last year possibility inflating our defense passing stats. So I like the idea of always trying to improve the personnel no matter which side of the ball we're talking about.

You're either going forward or you're going backwards. I think Rob Ryan realizes this and sees some issues.

As for Tank Johnson I wish we'd just do it. He could be the missing piece of the defensive puzzle.

Preach it Brother Bones (and Tron for that matter). The first time Darius knock's someone the fuck out in Oakland, Raider Nation will love him. No way that LT is happy about this. No way.

It might be 2007, but this is still football and "toughness" and "intimidation" still matter on the field.

Byron2112

07-11-2007, 07:42 PM

Tank is sorta built like that Broderick Bunkley. I doubt he's cut like he is, I doubt many DT's are, but he's got that short, thick build. He looks powerfull... all chest and shoulders and no neck... and that's a pretty quick time for a big man too.

I'm with Bones lets just bring this guy in already.

I'm not gonna get all wierdo on the predictions, but if our D can step up to a true elite level and we can fashion a running game out of all these parts, we could have a pretty decent year around here.

I'm really excited about DD... mostly that his work ethic and professionalism can rub off on all these young, talented players and leave a lasting impression on this team... just the kinda leader we need to bring in at this point.

Crow

07-11-2007, 07:46 PM

Clayton seems to think the Raiders are the front runners to sign Tank for whatever that's worth.

He say anything about our definitely having interest, or is he just playing the "Raiders sign another bad boy" speculation game?

Byron2112

07-11-2007, 07:59 PM

He wasn't playing up the boy's town image.

raider60

07-11-2007, 08:18 PM

I'm not sure that silverblackdoll visits this board very much or she would've already commented on it. :D

Silverblackdoll would have cheerfully posted on this thread, but she has lost her password and is unable to sign in. Crossbones, can you help? Thanks--

raider60

07-11-2007, 08:22 PM

Yeah, uhm, that's who I was referring to... I promise ;)

Is it totally wrong that I'm pretending that's Randy Moss getting hooked instead of Fergie?...

That shows how hard the WR's had it before the league got all soft and 'opened up the passing game'... Corners could bump them all the way up the field and then safeties could legally blast them across the grill with clotheslines...

Any of you Pacific Northwest waterheads catch John Clayton on 950 there?... Someone told me that he indicated that Isaiah Kaz already signed a vet minimum contract with us... For some reason only the 2nd half of yesterday's Softy show is archived...

Oh, yeah, I visit every day. Just lost my password, so I never post. Borrowing R60's to post this!Calling me a "schoolmarm" are we?:p
Boy, you NEVER had a schoolmarm like me!;)

CrossBones

07-11-2007, 08:37 PM

Oh, yeah, I visit every day. Just lost my password, so I never post. Borrowing R60's to post this!Calling me a "schoolmarm" are we?:p
Boy, you NEVER had a schoolmarm like me!;)Check your email Doll! ;)

hawaiianboy

07-11-2007, 08:59 PM

Borrowing R60's to post this!Calling me a "schoolmarm" are we?:p
Boy, you NEVER had a schoolmarm like me!;)

Hmmm.... a girl's voice coming from a guy's log in?...

I'm having Tijuana after a ton of Tequila flashbacks again... Fool me once... ::reminds self to always check for an Adams apple::

silverblackdoll

07-11-2007, 09:03 PM

Hmmm.... a girl's voice coming from a guy's log in?...

I'm having Tijuana after a ton of Tequila flashbacks again... Fool me once... ::reminds self to always check for an Adams apple::

My voice is BAAAACK! (Thanks, Bones.:D )
Now, HB . . . about calling me "schoolmarm" when ya thought I wasn't looking!!
We'll just SEE about that!;)

TommyGirl

07-12-2007, 07:26 AM

RNorris

07-12-2007, 07:59 AM

I'm just so damn happy that there's someone else I can blame the "marm-ish-ness" on now! :D

Know what I love about this time of year? The optimism. It happens every year. It lasts until about the fourth game, but it's glorious until then.

4 games? After last year, I will be happy if I am still hopefull by game 2!

Like my wife, I set low expectations.

Crow

07-12-2007, 08:34 AM

So...like...what the hell is a marm anyway?

hawaiianboy

07-12-2007, 09:11 AM

My voice is BAAAACK! (Thanks, Bones.:D )

You should have had some fun with raider60's log in first... Start some threads saying he long dreamed of tossing the salad of Frank Middleton or something...

Any of you Pacific Northwest waterheads catch John Clayton on 950 there?... Someone told me that he indicated that Isaiah Kaz already signed a vet minimum contract with us... For some reason only the 2nd half of yesterday's Softy show is archived...

Guess Clayton was spot on... he really is a lot better on radio when he is allowed to speculate more...

CrossBones

07-12-2007, 01:30 PM

Guess Clayton was spot on... he really is a lot better on radio when he is allowed to speculate more...I was listening to Clayton the other day but had to get out of the car before he talked about Kaz.

Yeah he seems to let loose a little more on Softy's show.

He's still a geek.

silverblackdoll

07-12-2007, 03:29 PM

I'm just so damn happy that there's someone else I can blame the "marm-ish-ness" on now! :D

Know what I love about this time of year? The optimism. It happens every year. It lasts until about the fourth game, but it's glorious until then.

Hey, I'm such a Pollyanna I stay optimistic till the last minute of the last game!:o

silverblackdoll

07-12-2007, 03:30 PM

So...like...what the hell is a marm anyway?

Well . . . we use rulers instead of whips!:p

silverblackdoll

07-12-2007, 03:32 PM

You should have had some fun with raider60's log in first... Start some threads saying he long dreamed of tossing the salad of Frank Middleton or something...

Hey he was nice enough to let me use it; plus, he has his "own fun" on AFC West.;) Good to be back!

Crow

07-12-2007, 03:58 PM

Well . . . we use rulers instead of whips!:p

Lame. Or possibly hot. I dunno. Never tried it.

Angry Pope

07-12-2007, 04:11 PM

Here is Donovin's salary breakdown...

2007 1600000.00
2008 2500000.00
2009 3000000.00

R4Life

07-12-2007, 04:27 PM

Here is Donovin's salary breakdown...

2007 1600000.00
2008 2500000.00
2009 3000000.00

Great, thanks!

RaiderIVlife

07-12-2007, 06:18 PM

I'm very open to the Tank Johnson idea.

BigTron

07-12-2007, 07:30 PM

I'm very open to the Tank Johnson idea.

It seems like we have gone out of our way to get rid of cancerous type players. I also am willing to give Tank another chance due to our tremendous need for another quality DT in the run game. If Kiffin gives Tank a shot i will be suprised. I think he understands that he needs complete control over the team because he is young and green. One bad apple.

hawaiianboy

07-12-2007, 07:49 PM

DARIUS DEAL HAS LOW RISK FOR RAIDERS

A league source tells us that the contract given by the Raiders to safety Donovin Darius includes a signing bonus of (drum roll, please) nothing. Zero dollars, zero cents.

But the deal contains $600,000 in guaranteed base salary for 2007, which means that Darius has some protection against getting cut -- and the team has some protection in the event that it needs to cut him, since a decision that Darius no longer has it means that the team will have spent (wasted) only $600,000.

Also, the absence of a signing bonus means that there will be no cap consequences in 2008 or 2009 if the team decides to move on. (Sorry, but we're not in the mood tonight.)

In all, the deal has base salaries of $1.6 million in 2007, $2.5 million in 2008, and $3 million in 2009. And the fact that the 2007 and 2008 compensation is entirely in the form of base salary means that the team can squat on Darius until the eve of the regular season, and drop him with no consequence.

The better approach for Darius would have been for $1 million of the base salaries in 2008 and 2009 to have been pushed into roster bonuses, due on the first day of each league year. This would have forced the Raiders to make a quick decision each year as to his status. And if the decision would be to move on (still not in the mood), Darius would have had plenty of time to land elsewhere.

Then again, the deal Darius signed simply might be the best one he could get, and that the Raiders refused to move any of the base salaries in 2008 or 2009 into roster bonuses. It's not as if any other team was beating down the door to sign him.

RaiderIVlife

07-12-2007, 09:07 PM

I heard Darius on Serius the day we signed him. Very likeable guy, I hope he proves a lot of people wrong.....

RaiderIVlife

07-12-2007, 09:09 PM

It seems like we have gone out of our way to get rid of cancerous type players. I also am willing to give Tank another chance due to our tremendous need for another quality DT in the run game. If Kiffin gives Tank a shot i will be suprised. I think he understands that he needs complete control over the team because he is young and green. One bad apple.

I hear ya', but let's face it, that "apple" would be on the shortest leash ever. I think Kiffin would have the complete authority to cut bait the second he felt it neccesary. If Tank walks the straight & narrow, it's still risk free IMO.

As others have mentioned, he's not the run stuffing Sam Adams or Ted Washington type DT, he's more in the Warren Sapp mould.

Angry Pope

07-12-2007, 09:29 PM

Oakland Raiders

After his sudden release from the Jacksonville Jaguars, I asked myself where Donovin Darius would end up. As I poured over team after team, one that did not come up was the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders finished the 2006 season with the third-ranked overall defense and the first-ranked pass defense in the NFL. They are also the only team in the NFL that was scheduled to return all 11 starters on defense from the previous season.

I studied some tape yesterday to find out where Darius would fit. The team likes FS Stuart Schweigert because he is smart and tough. He does an excellent job of running the secondary. SS Michael Huff is a young player who had a solid rookie campaign and will only get better. As I continued to watch the tape, something jumped out at me.

From evaluating their defense last season, I knew the Raiders liked to use their (425) nickel sub package on early downs, even when their opponents were not in multiple receiver sets. The strength of the Raiders' defense last season was the secondary, so in order to get their best players on the field they opted to play more nickel defense on early downs. That theory helped their pass defense, which finished the season ranked No.1 in the NFL. However, it did not do much for their run defense (25th overall), as teams opted to run the ball more on early downs with an extra corner in the game.

The 2007 version of the Raiders' (425) nickel sub package is going to look much different with Darius in the game. Darius has always been a much better player in run support than coverage, and that fact has only increased as he has gotten older and a little slower. Darius has always been better playing close to the line of scrimmage. He is still physical, tough, intimidating and plays like an extra linebacker when they drop him down into the box. Last season, when the Raiders went nickel they had either Stanford Routt or Tyrone Poole in the game as an extra corner. Now, they will replace that third linebacker with a player who plays like a linebacker.

Darius is still an excellent run support safety who can run the alleys and make plays in the run game. He is a tough and physical tackler who can intimidate backs running outside or receivers coming over the middle of the field.

With Darius as the fifth defensive back, it should really open up the Huff's game. Darius' presence means the Raiders, who play almost exclusively man coverage, can use Huff more in that role. It is a role they need him to excel in as all three teams in their Division have tight ends who can make plays in the passing game. It will also give Huff more versatility to play in the slot vs. three-receiver sets on early downs, something he can do because he is such a great athlete with very good man to man cover skills.

Darius will not only be a factor as a player on the field in terms of how Oakland can use multiple schemes and fronts, he will be a factor in the lockerroom. This is where his presence might pay even more dividends. The Raiders have one of the best secondary units in the NFL, but it is a young unit and Darius' leadership will be invaluable. He is excellent as a leader, teacher and mentor. That will be invaluable to young players like Namdi Asomugha and Huff, who are on the verge of becoming stars in this league.

Darius is one of the more classy individuals in the NFL off the field and plays with a mean streak on the field. He has that type of mentality that makes every player around him better when he is on the field. This new situation is going to be a win-win for him and the Raiders.

Byron2112

07-12-2007, 10:08 PM

::rubs hands together::

Exxxxceleeeent /Monty Burns

jatfly

07-13-2007, 05:04 AM

jatfly

07-13-2007, 05:21 AM

Donovin Darius: Hard hitter, high mileage
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/07/raiders-darious-hardhitterhighmileage130707.html

By D.Laurant on July 13, 2007 12:55 AM
Permalink | Comments (11) | Email This Article | RSS | [+] More Raiders News

Two years ago, it would have been a perfect match -- Donovin Darius and the Oakland Raiders , one of the hardest hitters in the NFL joining a team with a rough and tumble image.

Now, that's a reality. But is it too late?

The Raiders signed Darius to a three-year, $7 million contract this week, and coach Lane Kiffin said, "He will be a great fit in our team's philosophy."

The part about intimidating and punishing.

Who can forget the hit Darius put on Robert Ferguson in 2004, nearly decapitating the Green Bay wide receiver with a full-speed clothesline? Darius was fined $75,000 by the league, but he visited Ferguson in the hospital to offer his condolences.

And that was just one of many crushing collisions the Syracuse University graduate initiated from his strong safety position as a Jacksonville Jaguar -- 846 tackles in all, a franchise record. He also intercepted 14 passes, forced eight fumbles and notched a pair of sacks.

The problem is, big hits from defensive backs often come after the defender has given up a catch to the man he's covering. The further the safety or cornerback is away from the receiver, the louder the collision.

Also, while leading the Jaguars in tackles for seven straight seasons, Darius seemed to follow the lyrics of an old Simon & Garfunkel song: "I'd rather be the hammer than the nail."

Yet even hammers wear down eventually. Darius played only two games in 2005 before shredding his knee, and his 2006 season ended with the Monday Night game on Nov. 20, when he broke his right leg.

In Oakland, the 6-foot-1, 225-pounder will compete with Stuart Schweigert and Michael Huff for a starting position. A workout monster, he also brings a ferocious work ethic (his legendary training regimen has chased away many a prospective workout partner) that could rub off on the rest of the team.

The question is what two serious leg injuries may have done to Darius' speed. It doesn't matter how hard he's capable of hitting pass receivers if he can't catch them. And he flunked a physical at Buffalo Bills camp because of a calf injury.

Or could that be a fluke? Darius missed only seven games in his first nine years and prior to 2005, was always described as "durable."

Defensive statistics (or the lack of them) can be misleading. But neither Schweigert nor Huff forced any fumbles last season and posted no sacks.

All Raider fans can do is watch Darius when training camp begins. Watch, hope, and listen. If he's his old self, you'll be able to hear it.

Crow

07-13-2007, 08:12 AM

You must spread...blah blah blah.

Great read, AP. That article reflects my thoughts on this signing exactly.

Angry Pope

07-13-2007, 08:24 AM

Jatfly...I just found it somewhere...thanks.

Angry Pope

07-14-2007, 07:45 AM

Darius just looks to fit in

By Jason Jones
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, July 14, 2007

Donovin Darius talks like a Lane Kiffin kind of player.

Darius, a strong safety who signed with the Raiders this week, sounded like a player just looking to fit in and compete when he was interviewed Tuesday on Sirius NFL Radio.

"Like I tell every guy that I've ever played with -- I played with 17 different free safeties while I was in Jacksonville, and I always tell them, 'My job is to complement you. You may learn some things from me, and I'm going to learn some things from you,' " Darius said.

Some expect Darius' arrival to allow strong safety Michael Huff to play more free safety and move free safety Stuart Schweigert to the bench.

That might not happen. Huff worked at cornerback in the offseason. The addition of Darius means Huff has more options to use his speed at different spots on the field, including nickel back with Darius and Schweigert together at safety.

"My approach to the whole defense, the whole team, the whole secondary, is we're going to become the best unit because we're going to become what we each give," Darius said. "And if I bring my knowledge, my experience, my heart, my desire, and you bring the same thing and we bring accountability, then we can do some great things. I think the sky is the limit for us."

Against the odds

On the day the Raiders announced they had signed linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski, he appeared Thursday in an episode of "Oprah" about people who have overcome adversity.

Kacyvenski discussed growing up in poverty with an abusive, alcoholic father, graduating from Harvard and playing in the NFL.

He said that when he was a child, he feared he would be beaten if he told his father he was sick.

Kacyvenski's father, David, said on the show that he had been sober for 16 years. Isaiah said he has forgiven his father.

When Isaiah missed his Harvard graduation to attend practice after being drafted by Seattle, David stood in for his son.

Et cetera

The Raiders signed offensive tackle Mario Henderson, the second of their three second-round draft picks and the fourth of their 11 choices to sign. Henderson, 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, started at left tackle for Florida State last year.

• The Stockton Ports will host Raider Nation Night at 7:05 p.m. Aug. 4. In addition to appearances by former Raiders and Raiderettes, the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition will be held for boys and girls ages 8 to 15. The competition is limited to 200 kids. Applications are available at www.raiders.com.

• Bay Area radio host and Giants public address announcer Renel Brooks-Moon and nationally syndicated radio host JT the Brick will join the Raiders' broadcasting team this exhibition season.

• The Raiders will work with California State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation to promote outdoor recreation and physical fitness.

Angry Pope

07-14-2007, 07:52 AM

Raiders Plan Three-Safety Looks

Posted Jul 14th 2007 8:43AM by Michael David Smith

The Raiders' addition of former Jaguars safety Donovin Darius would seem to be bad news for Stuart Schweigert, who started all 16 games at free safety for Oakland last season. When the signing was announced, most observers figured Darius would start alongside strong safety Michael Huff, and Schweigert's playing time would decrease.

But there are two reasons to think that won't be the case. The first is that Darius didn't get a signing bonus, meaning the Raiders aren't totally sold on his ability to play at a high level at age 32 and coming off an injury. The second is that the Raiders might use a lot of defensive alignments featuring all three safeties on the field at once. From ESPN In$ider:

But some folks in the Oakland organization cautioned this week that Schweigert is a much better player than he is credited for being, and that he will get plenty of playing time. In fact, coordinator Rob Ryan is said to be at work conjuring up schemes in which all three safeties are on the field, even on early downs. Pass coverage has never been a strong suit for Darius who, like Huff, is most effective playing in the box" Schweigert has better range in the deep secondary than either Huff or Darius and shouldn't, Raiders sources insist, be so easily dismissed.

Ryan is an excellent defensive schemer, and there's little doubt that he'll find the right ways to use all his players. Schweigert, Huff and Darius on the field simultaneously will create matchup problems for opposing offenses.

Raidermania12

07-14-2007, 08:05 AM

Rupert

07-14-2007, 10:59 AM

I've got no problems with the big nickel as long as our DL can keep the blockers off the backers and safeties. We'll do pretty well.

Raider Nation

07-14-2007, 02:47 PM

So He's going full "4-2-5" 3 safety package more often. Definitely gives Huff an oppurtinity to pay more attention to coverage in the mid range and keeps a capable run defender in the closer to the box area.

DL -- Burgess, Sapp, Sands/Kelly, Brayton/Huntley/Moses
LB -- Morrison, Howard (rotate Robert Thomas)
DB -- Asomugha, Washington, Huff, Darius, Schweigert

That's a pretty stout 2nd & long/3rd down defensive package.

Daddy likey!

R4Life

07-14-2007, 03:50 PM

Truth or Darius
The first 1:15 of this video is Fox Sports commenting that Darius' best days are in front of him. Other stuff on Rod Smith, Eli Manning, Bulger, etcetera

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl#

jatfly

07-16-2007, 04:32 AM

Well if most of you remember? Rob Ryan's Old man is a 4-6 guy and trust me there is some that ingrained in RR, So don't be suprised you see DD, Stu and Huff on the Field with DD acting like a LB or Huff Covering a TE.

Raidermania12

07-16-2007, 06:16 AM

This also Gives Stu less space to cover. He can keep a better eye on passes over the top.

But again as Rupert pointed out, the DL have to occupy the blockers. Tank Johnson would be nice.

jatfly

07-16-2007, 07:32 AM

This also Gives Stu less space to cover. He can keep a better eye on passes over the top.

But again as Rupert pointed out, the DL have to occupy the blockers. Tank Johnson would be nice.
I am warming to the Idea of Tank too, Sapp won't play forever even if he has another big year he will only be around another 3 or 4 at the most. Kelly and Sands are both young enough but I am not sold on any thing after those two!

Angry Pope

07-16-2007, 09:42 AM

Jat...

Here are all of the interceptions Schweigert had in college, the exact time they occurred, and the result....

Stuart Schweigert's Career Interceptions

Summary of each pick

1 - at Notre Dame, Sept. 16, 2000
Video Clip of #1
Time: Fourth Quarter, 8:36 left
Location: Purdue 21-yard line
Quarterback: Gary Godsey
Return: 2 yards
Noteworthy: Led to 22-yard touchdown pass that gave Purdue 21-20 lead with 4:57 left; Notre Dame rallied for 23-21 victory

2 - Minnesota, Sept. 23, 2000
Video Clip of #2
Time: Fourth Quarter, 1:29 left
Location: Purdue 13-yard line
Quarterback: Travis Cole
Return: none
Noteworthy: Exclamation point on 38-24 Purdue win

3 - at Michigan State, Nov. 11, 2000
Video Clip of #3
Time: First Quarter, 11:50 left
Location: Purdue 42-yard line
Quarterback: Jeff Smoker
Return: none
Noteworthy: Schweigert's college decision came down to Purdue and Michigan State

4 - Indiana, Nov. 18, 2000
Video Clip of #4
Time: Third Quarter, 8:43
Location: Purdue end zone
Quarterback: Antwaan Randle El
Return: none
Noteworthy: After interception, he dropped ball in end zone that was nearly recovered by Indiana for a touchdown; Boilermakers led 27-7 at the time

5 - Indiana, Nov. 18, 2000
Video Clip of #5
Time: Fourth Quarter, 4:39
Location: Purdue 1-yard line
Quarterback: Antwaan Randle El
Return: none
Noteworthy: Set school record for interceptions by a true freshman

6 - at Cincinnati, Sept. 2, 2001
Video Clip of #6
Time: Second Quarter, 3:05 left
Location: Cincinnati 49-yard line
Quarterback: Adam Hoover
Return: 20 yards
Noteworthy: Led to 39-yard field goal

7 - at Cincinnati, Sept. 2, 2001
Video Clip of #7
Time: Fourth Quarter, 0:36 left
Location: Purdue end zone
Quarterback: Adam Hoover
Return: none
Noteworthy: Preserved 19-14 Purdue victory

8 - at Minnesota, Sept. 29, 2001
Video Clip of #8
Time: Overtime
Location: Purdue end zone
Quarterback: Travis Cole
Return: none
Noteworthy: Preserved 35-28 Purdue victory

9 - at Michigan, Oct. 13, 2001
Video Clip of #9
Time: Second Quarter, 0:24 left
Location: Purdue 6-yard line
Quarterback: Wide receiver Marquise Walker
Return: 58 yards
Noteworthy: Stalled Michigan scoring drive and kept Purdue in the game at 14-10 at halftime

10 - Illinois, Nov. 3, 2001
Video Clip of #10
Time: Second Quarter, 9:01 left
Location: Purdue 26-yard line
Quarterback: Kurt Kittner
Return: 32 yards
Noteworthy: Led to 37-yard field goal

11 - Michigan State, Nov. 17, 2001
Video Clip of #11
Time: Fourth Quarter, 0:06 left
Location: Purdue 39-yard line
Quarterback: Damon Dowdell
Return: none
Noteworthy: Tied Purdue record for career interceptions

12 - Western Michigan, Sept. 14, 2002
Video Clip of #12
Time: Third Quarter, 0:39 left
Location: Purdue 16-yard line
Quarterback: Chad Munson
Return: 2 yards
Noteworthy: Set school record for career interceptions

13 - at Northwestern, Oct. 26, 2002
Video Clip of #13
Time: First Quarter, 6:13 left
Location: Northwestern 38-yard line
Quarterback: Tony Stauss
Return: none
Noteworthy: Seventh interception on the road to go with six at home

14 - at Wake Forest, Sept. 13, 2003
Video Clip of #14
Time: First Quarter, 14:39 left
Location: Purdue 34-yard line
Quarterback: Cory Randolph
Return: 38 yards
Noteworthy: First play of the game; Schweigert would go on to make win-preserving tackle with just over one minute to play

15 - Notre Dame, Sept. 27, 2003
Video Clip of #15
Time: Third Quarter, 4:58 left
Location: Purdue 29-yard line
Quarterback: Brady Quinn
Return: 24 yards
Noteworthy: Boilermakers led 16-10 at the time in an eventual 23-10 victory

16 - Notre Dame, Sept. 27, 2003
Video Clip of #16
Time: Fourth Quarter, 10:43 left
Location: Purdue 20-yard line
Quarterback: Brady Quinn
Return: none
Noteworthy: Third career game with two interceptions

17 - Iowa, Nov. 8, 2003
Video Clip of #17
Time: Fourth Quarter, 0:44 left
Location: Purdue end zone
Quarterback: Nathan Chandler
Return: none
Noteworthy: Senior Day sendo

Disregard the video portion.

jatfly

07-16-2007, 11:11 AM

BigTron

07-16-2007, 01:57 PM

thanks AP, i just think is come down on because a couple bad tackles at key times. I know one thing he is no Gibson or Dorsett. Those two and many other haven't been as solid as Stu back there. I will say this I wasn't ready to give Curry another chance a couple years ago and there were some folks who told me to wait Curry would be good. Well I think the same for Stu, he is coming around and before last year hasn't had much on Defense to work with. Let's face it since R-Wood left that secondary hasn't been good and has been very green and last year was the start of this D turning the corner.

My only problem is i feel like Huff and Stu are too similair to start next to each other. We need an enforcer back there. DD is going to give us that if he is still healthy enough to play alot this season. I like Huff and Stu but we need an assasign back there to maul WR's and RB's who think they can dance around in our secondary. We are the Raiders baby we need a head hunter. DD is going to be a fan favorite the minute he lays the hammer J.Walker or LT. I have been screaming this D needs a Hitter and i think we got one! DD stay healthy!!! I cant wait to see Tatum Bell go against DD week one 1 OUCH

Raidermania12

07-16-2007, 02:43 PM

My only problem is i feel like Huff and Stu are too similair to start next to each other.
I gotta say I call myth on that. Huff is a speedy gap shooting athletic Safety who can be physical, but tackles too high.

Stu is a coverage first guy who makes decent pre snaps reads, but his adjustments after the snap lag a little. But have gotten better each year. You wont see Stu shooting gaps like Huff. But likewise I doubt Huff would make better pre snap reads at this point.

With darius in a big nickel set, huff gets a chance at more coverage(though with the new Left/right safety theory, he would have anyways). but similar? Not in the least bit to me.

Raidermania12

07-16-2007, 02:46 PM

I am warming to the Idea of Tank too, Sapp won't play forever even if he has another big year he will only be around another 3 or 4 at the most. Kelly and Sands are both young enough but I am not sold on any thing after those two!

On 3rd and long, it would be mayhem trying to decide who gets doubled between Burgess, Tank, and Sapp. Then worrying about Moses if he proves to be the Moses that was touted so high before he saw constant double teams in his senior year. I think we got a taste of how ill it would be in that Pittsburgh game. In that game tommy kelly was in a great rhythm. Because of that it was a mess for Pittsburgh to have to deal with him, sapp, and Burgess. And thats with not mediocre pass rush on the opposite side. So theres alot of potential in getting big time pressure with tank.

BigTron

07-16-2007, 02:51 PM

I gotta say I call myth on that. Huff is a speedy gap shooting athletic Safety who can be physical, but tackles too high.

Stu is a coverage first guy who makes decent pre snaps reads, but his adjustments after the snap lag a little. But have gotten better each year. You wont see Stu shooting gaps like Huff. But likewise I doubt Huff would make better pre snap reads at this point.

With darius in a big nickel set, huff gets a chance at more coverage(though with the new Left/right safety theory, he would have anyways). but similar? Not in the least bit to me.

I see two fast safety's who are better in coverage than playing around the line. Both can tackle but neither have very good form. Huff is taking snaps at CB apparently so i think its safe to say his strong point is Man coverage. Stu has made alot of tackles in the NFl, but he was drafted to be a ballhawk. I want a safety who can truly play around the LOS and make solid hits and tackles on RB's. Not hit them too high or drag them down after being pulled 5 yards. I dont think they are identical or anyhting but i dont think either one of them is very physical at the LOS or playing the run.

Raidermania12

07-16-2007, 02:55 PM

I see two fast safety's who are better in coverage than playing around the line.

You really think Huff can't plat at the line? :eek: . Outside of his tackling technique he's been amazing at getting into the backfield. Better Than sam williams and thomas Howard even. JMHO

Huff is taking snaps at CB apparently so i think its safe to say his strong point is Man coverage. Stu has made alot of tackles in the NFl, but he was drafted to be a ballhawk. I want a safety who can truly play around the LOS and make solid hits and tackles on RB's. Not hit them too high or drag them down after being pulled 5 yards. I dont think they are identical or anyhting but i dont think either one of them is very physical at the LOS or playing the run.
you severely exaggerate. Nobody is getting dragged 5 yards from the backfield and as far as physical goes, he has been physical. Just hasnt tried to lay people out, which means nothing to me. Laying people out on big hits is the most overrated thing ever in judging a safety I think. Most of the guys who play like that in this league miss more tackles than Stu. You just dont catch it because that doesnt make sports center.

Jack's sore libido

07-16-2007, 03:10 PM

BigTron

07-16-2007, 03:18 PM

Dude read the line you quoted me on. "BETTER IN COVERAGE Im not saying Huff CANT play the line, im saying i dont want Huff playing the line. I want him using his best abilities roaming the secondary in coverage. Sure we can bring him up to blitz and he can be effective but as far as run defending i dont think him or Stu are that strong to take on block and to deliver blows with the big guys up there.

Stu is a good football player. Im not syaing he is bad. Im saying ive seen him run over by LJ, LT and outrun by Tatum Bell TOO many times. He makes the plays because he has heart, but he also takes bad angles and rides ball carriers to the ground. I dont think we signed Darius because we didnt need a guy to fill the role. Darius is JAX's #1 tackler of all time. I think its fair to say he is an upgrade as a run supporting safety. DD's tackles are huge hits that pump up the crowd and the D. Stu's tackles are kinda embarassing to watch sometimes. Big difference in my opinion. Alot of people call for Stu's head, I am not one of them. I just dont want and undersized SS and a Ballhawking FS being our last line of defense vs guys like LJ and LT.

Again im not saying that Huff and Stu CANT tackle or make play's around the LOS. IM just saying its not the strength of their game IMO. Both should be roaming Deep while a guy like D.Darius stop the run. Blitzing the QB is not what im talking about, besides how many sacks did STU and Huff have, how many INT's?? Obviously something needs to be changed. We would not of brought in DD and drafted/signed more safeties if we were content.

p.s i repped you for the intersting discussion during the boring offseason!

Raidermania12

07-16-2007, 04:42 PM

dont get me wrong, i'm not saying they should have sacks up the ying yang but Huff's best attribute to me is his ability to shooting gaps. Again The raiders want him to play more coverage. But i dont think they want him too far away from the LOS at FS, because if you catch footage of the games all year, you'll find number 24 in the backfield more often than number 54. Does he need to work on his technique? yea. Did he miss some tackles back there? Yea. But for the most part he was the biggest catalyst for a very big portion of the stops we made in the backfield. Again catalyst doest show up on the stat sheet, but i saw it countless times.

Again im not saying that Huff and Stu CANT tackle or make play's around the LOS.

well im on the record as saying that Stu can't. But its not really his responsibility. Again if the leadership values of Darius count for something. so should Stu's in leading a a secondary thats come a long way in reads and coverage. Cooking aprons be damned, i think he is solid overall and has gotten better every year. If he hadn't got better every year, then maybe his faults would be an issue, but to me its just growing pains with no real vet to help him. With that in mind he's done a solid job on his own.

Theres a quality to making these reads. something that the wondrous Sean Taylor needs to improve. And with all his natural ability the redskins secondary is mediocre overall. Give me a guy who gets people in the rights spots, freakish athletic ability doesnt beat that. Rod Woodson was a very very weak shell of his former self physically when he got here, but there wasn't too many on his level setting up the secondary. i think Stu holds a quality in that department thats getting better every year. And furthermore I dont believe our secondary does as well as it has if we didnt have him there.